Obituary of Joseph Peter Cummings

Joseph Peter Cummings, a self-employed carpenter and longtime resident of the area, died Sunday, March 25, 2012 at his home in South Fallsburg. He was 60. The son of the late Frank Cummings and Adelle Waterman Cummings, he was born July 18, 1951 in Brooklyn. Known to most as "Joe C", Joey was loved and respected by more people than anyone could imagine. Most people do not put into their lives what Joey put into his. It was told to our family that Joe C had the least to give, but gave the most. Another thing told was that Joe gave love without wanting anything in return. He was a giver, not a taker. A friend of Bill W, this is where Joey was blessed to have a second family. This family he was not born into, he got to pick them, and they got to pick him. Their love for Joey was deep and special. The Cummings family will forever be grateful to each and every one of them, because their love for Joey was equal to ours. He leaves behind a daughter: Melanie Hope Cummings; four brothers: Frank Jr., Pat, Tom and John; two sisters: Jean Grossman and Cindy Beach; too many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews to name; and his companion who loved him deeply: Ellen Stratton. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers: Jimmy and Nicky; and three sisters: Rose Dietz, Helen and Estelle Lawhorn. The family would like to express a very special and warm thank you to Richie Puglia who stayed by Joey's side, caring for him until the end. Thanks also to Hospice of Sullivan County who made things so comfortable for Joey in his last days. Family & friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, March 27 from 4-8pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. A service will then be held at 8:00pm at the funeral home. Interment of his ashes will be held at a later date at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550, would be very much appreciated. A final family statement: "A bright star burned out when Joey left his body to be with God in Heaven." Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com